
Insect Festival 2009, at the York Museum Gardens today, is a celebration of all things buggy, with exhibitions, insect hunts and talks. If you can’t make it to York, why not have a closer look at what’s lurking in a shady part of your garden?

Insect Festival 2009, at the York Museum Gardens today, is a celebration of all things buggy, with exhibitions, insect hunts and talks. If you can’t make it to York, why not have a closer look at what’s lurking in a shady part of your garden?

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, which starts today, includes everything from vintage motorbikes to Formula One winners. One of this year’s highlights will be the 11 Wacky Races cars, with Dastardly & Muttley up to their usual tricks!

Winchester’s annual Hat Fair, which starts today, is Britain’s longest-running festival of street theatre, with clowns, acrobats, jugglers and dancers. The name is a reference to the hats passed around after performances - so make sure you’ve got a pocketful of change.

The Henley Royal Regatta starts today. This quintessentially English event, first held in 1839, is a celebration of amateur rowing. Even if you’ve no interest in matters nautical, it’s still worth going along to admire the array of magnificent hats!

“If you’ve been growing strawberries or raspberries in your garden or allotment, you’re probably reaping the rewards by now. If not, the less green-fingered among us can always head for a pick-your-own farm, for all of the rewards with none of the digging!”

There are few nicer sounds on a hot summer’s day than the tinkly rendition of Greensleeves that lets you know the ice-cream van is coming down your street. Make ours a 99 - and don’t skimp on the raspberry sauce!

“Sweet peas are at their very best about now, when they’re filling British gardens with their gorgeous colours and scent. Take some time today to wake up and smell the flowers!”

“Anyone who’s ever done PE in the rain will sympathise with the competitors at the Swamp Soccer World Championships in Strachur, Scotland, this weekend. If you’re in the area, go and cheer them on - but you might find it difficult to identify your team once the mud starts flying.”

“Lazing around with a good book is always a pleasure, but particularly so when the sun’s shining. In these cash-strapped times, might we suggest a visit to your local library?”

Everyone’s so busy nowadays that sometimes the simplest pleasures involve doing very little at all. Why not give the multitasking a rest today and take a break just watching the sky. We’ve already spotted a cloud dog and a cloud motorbike drifting by - what can you see?